Top Visitor Attractions In Dublin

Dublin Overview

For most visitors who have a hire car in Dublin Airport, the most important task upon driving out of the terminal is finding a place to park in the city. To simplify this task, Dublin City Business Association (DCBA) have created maps that drivers can use to find Dublin City Centre's 10,000 parking spaces scattered across 20 car parks. The DCBA’sDublin City Centre car park map can be downloaded here.
Once the parking situation is sorted, there is plenty to see and do in Ireland's largest city. These are some of the highlights:

Guinness Storehouse in St. James's Gate

Home to the factory that makes Guinness, this excellent visitor centre tells the 250-year-long story Ireland’s most famous export. Don't forget to get your complimentary drink in the Gravity Bar, Ireland's highest pub, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of Dublin city. More information

Trinity College

Located in the heart of Dublin, this university was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth, and once served to educate the Protestant elite of Irish society. Famous former students include Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett. Today the college is open to all. Trinity's beautiful grounds offer a peaceful oasis, away from the rush of city life. An essential part of visiting the university is viewing the Book of Kells, the country's most beautiful and historical manuscript, which dates from the seventh century.

Dublinia

Dublinia is centrally located on St. Michael's Hill, opposite Christ Church. The exhibition covers Dublin's medieval history, from the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in 1170 through the Black Death, on to the closure of the monasteries in the 1540s. Exhibits include a large-scale model of Dublin around 1500. More information

Kilmainham Gaol

Europe's largest disused prison, Kilmainham Gaol is located in the western portion of Dublin on Inchicore Road. It was built in 1792, and many famous Irish Republicans were held or executed here by the English. Today, the building houses the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Dublin Castle

Not far from Trinity College, Dublin Castle lies just north of the Liffey in the centre of the city. Built in the early 13th century, the castle was the seat of English power in Ireland for over seven centuries, until it was taken by the Irish Free State in 1922. Architectural highlights include the 13th-century Norman tower and the State Apartments. Once the residence of English viceroys, the Apartments are now used for state ceremonial functions, including the inauguration of the Irish president.